Transformer of the Day for April 30, 2009
GALVATRON
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Generation One (1984-92)
-Function: City Commander
-Motto: “My Power Is Everything; Defeat is Absurd”
-Notable Toy: Reissue (Takara, 2005)
Notes: While I don’t quite agree with how every Megatron in the multiverse must at some point become Galvatron (and in the case of the Unicron trilogy, become him again and again and again), I love the original character. I love the figure and the transformation, the skilled warrior (in the movie) and the lunatic leader (in the cartoon). And it was more than gratifying to have him finally reproduced in proper colours in 2005.
***
Can you believe we’re a third of the way through the year already? I can scarely believe that we’ve gone through four months of transformers, a total of 120 ‘formers in all, and there are still so many good characters and toys ahead.
And away we go!
Transformer of the Day for April 28, 2009
MEGATRON
-Faction: Predacon / Vehicon
-Era: Beast Wars / Beast Machines (1996-2000)
-Function: Predacon Commander / Vehicon Leader
-Motto: “Purification is the Key to Our Salvation”
-Notable Toy: Botcon Exclusive (Hasbro, 2006)
Notes: Despite the changing in characterization between Beast Wars and Beast Machines, this Megatron is simply a great character! A megalomaniac yesssss, but one with a sense of humour and irony. I mean HE ROLLERBLADES! Admittedly, picking the right toy representation was tough because the many variations are all good (something quite rare in fact!) But I’m going with the Pre-Beast Wars Botcon redeco because the mould really does justice to his cartoon appearance in all three forms. But, as evidence below, I must also give a shout out to Moon Base Megatron just for sheer audacity of putting out a toy based on a giant floating head.
((Apologies and thanks to seibertron.com for the Botcon toy pics.)
Transformer of the Day for April 27, 2009
SUNSTREAKER
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Movie Generation One (1984-1992)
-Function: Warrior
-Motto: “They Can’t Beat the Best”
-Notable Toy: Universe (Hasbro, 2008)
Notes: Despite his vanity, Sunstreaker is so connected to Sideswipe that, since his introduction, he is either overshadowed by his more popular brother (see absence of an official Action Master (unofficial however is a different story), G2 or Shatteredverse version), or forced to be shown as a repaint (OTFCC, 2003). At least with Universe, he can regain a bit of his pride with a unique transformation that sets him apart. It’s okay Sunny; Teresa would never dream of making you a clone.
Transformer of the Day for April 26, 2009
METROTITAN
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Generation One (1984-92)
-Function: Battle Fortress*
-Motto: “None Shall Stand in My Wake” *
-Notable Toy: Standard Issue (Takara, 1991)
Notes: Another great Japanese Decepticon repaint I long to have, Metrotitan (a late release repaint of Metroplex) is just a stunning. There was hope that the reissue of Metroplex would see an eHobby version as well, particularly given the existence of a knock-off Metrotitan (in pink rather than red), but to no avail. So we are left to drool and dream.
Transformer of the Day for April 25, 2009
POWERED CONVOY / COMMANDER
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Diaclone Years (1982-1984)
-Function: City Commander*
-Motto: “I Can Deal with That Now”
-Notable Toy: Diaclone (Takara, 1983)
Notes: Although he shares a body with Ultra Magnus, Powered Convoy predates the Transformers. Using the Convoy cab and a convertable trailer, Powered Convoy came with features left out or unexploited in the Ultra Magnus version. There was the chest shield that doubled as a jet for the diaclone figures that came with the line. There was also the little accessory car that came with Powered Convoy that was removed from the Ultra Magnus release. And, if you were particularly good, you got the mother of all box sets - Powered Convoy with a black Sideswipe and a Red Mirage. A holy grail indeed.
It is noteworthy to go with Powered Convoy today because, for only the second time since his first appearance (the limited eHobby reissue of 2001), Powered Convoy is being brought forward through the efforts of the TFCon organizers and FansProject, who secretly debut the figure at TFCon 2008. Certainly, it was the first reason I opted to attend this year’s show, although Dan “Bumblebee” Gilvezan’s appearance certainly was icing on the double chocolate cake.
In the meantime, enjoy this deluxe Transformer of the Day spotlighting the return of the king.
(Apologies and thanks to fredsworkshop for the rare cell image of a deleted Transformers: The Movie sequence featuring Ultra Magnus in Powered Convoy colours. Truly a rare and treasured find.)
The 2001 eHobby Reissue
Transformer of the Day for April 24, 2009
BONECRUSHER
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Movie (2007, 2009, 2011)
-Function: Warrior*
-Motto: “Fall Before My Blades
-Notable Toy: Deluxe (Hasbro, 2007)
Notes: Rumour holds that the prominence given to the sweep in the promotional material sold Michael Bay on the vehicle for the movie, and he opted to modify the vehicle when he learned that the sweep was actually quite a bit smaller. Nonetheless, given fan interest, I am somewhat surprised Bonecrusher didn’t get the Leader or Voyager treatment.
Transformer of the Day for April 23, 2009
TIGATRON
-Faction: Maximal
-Era: Beast Wars (1996-1998)
-Function: Reconnaissance
-Motto: “Let The Trails Lead Where They May, I WIll Follow”
-Notable Toy: 10th Anniversary (Takara, 2006)
Notes: Tigatron is one cool cat. I was filled with such regret when he was killed off with Airrazor, and then again when his reformatted Tigerhawk form also fell in battle. And he’s a perfect example of Takara’s dedication. Having already produced the superior white (rather than yellow) original version, they then reissue him in a more perfect form.
(Apologies and thanks to shmax.com and bbts.com for the toy images.)
Transformer of the Day for April 22, 2009
RATBAT
-Faction: Decepticon
-Era: Generation One (1984-1992)
-Function: Fuel Scout
-Motto: “The Road is My Dinner Plate”
-Notable Toy: Universe Two Pack (Hasbro, 2008)
Notes: Ratbat is an enigma. Why did Hasbro release a brand new toy with a pre-existing toy like Frenzy (inadvertantly given the latter the honour of being the longest produced Generation One toy?) Although the animal tapes could seemingly talk (see Ramhorn in the cartoon and Ravage in the comics), why was Ratbat the only one one who consistently did so? And how do you explain a character portrayed as such a force who is reduced to the form of a tape and a giant bat? So while I may not like the Cybertron Sideways mould, it works so well for War Within Ratbat, and allows us to better imagine him as the presence he clearly is.)
RED ALERT
-Faction: Autobot
-Era: Movie Generation One (1984-1992)
-Function: Security Director
-Motto: “Caution Can Never Be Overused”
-Notable Toy: New Year’s Special (Takara, 2005)
Notes: Red Alert is full of contradictions. An overly paranoid director of security. A public rescue vehicle that takes the form of a beyond-expensive Italian sportscar. Still, he’s a lot of fun. While we await the Henkei issue of Red (and shed a tear for the lost Palisades statue - see below), let’s enjoy the Takara reissue, black head (instead of cartoon red) and all.
(Apologies and thanks to shmax.com and bbts.com for the toy images.)
And because it simply cannot be found on the web anymore, behold the prototype of what could have been had Palisades not lost the statue license. You can almost see G1 and G2 Sideswipe and Tigertracks in those curves…
Transformer of the Day for April 20, 2009
SIDEWAYS
-Faction: Autobot/Decepticon
-Era: Armada-Energon-Cybertron (2002-06)
-Function: Dark Herald
-Motto: “Efficiency Through Self-Sufficiency”
-Notable Toy: Deluxe (Hasbro, 2002)
Notes: It’s hard to write about a character and a toy one doesn’t really care for. Truth be told, I prefer the paint application of Energon Rapid Run, and it’s hard to get behind a character as portrayed in a poorly written cartoon. Nonetheless, Sideways remains popular among many in the community, and is notable for hinting at early Generation One headmaster technology. The inclusion of a pair of “minicons” who serve as his vehicle riders is an original touch, even if they themselves could stand to have a more colour paint application.
